Windows Recovery – Keep my files?

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I am running Windows 10, Version 2004, Build 19041.508.  I am reading Woody’s latest mail-out – “Ask Woody Plus” Newsletter, where the newest version of Windows Recovery is discussed.  I am concerned about this option – Keep my files – where the article says:

“As before, Keep my files strips away non-native Windows software and settings but attempts to leave your user files alone.”

I am concerned about the phrase “strips away non-native Windows software and settings”.  What is “non-native Windows software and settings?  Does this mean it will remove applications like Lightroom and Photoshop, and other applications?

With the same concern: what does it mean by “your user files” that it will leave alone?

Are there references that will clarify these “terms” and “phrases”?

I ask these questions because it is difficult to use this functionality unless I know what all the “terminology” means.

Thanks folks.

Ron M

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Ron M wrote:

What is “non-native Windows software and settings? Does this mean it will remove applications like Lightroom and Photoshop, and other applications?

Yes, that means it will remove any third-party software you have installed.

Ron M wrote:

With the same concern: what does it mean by “your user files” that it will leave alone?

Your user files are those you have created/saved on your computer under C:\Users\<yourID> (Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Videos, etc)

Basically, it reinstalls Windows ONLY and puts your User folder back afterward.

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PKCano, thanks for the prompt reply and the clarifying information.

There are a number of 4 letter words I could use to describe how I feel about Microsoft at this point following your answer, but the forum has rules. 🤐

If  “Restore” removes any third-party software, then what use is it.  I certainly do not want to have to spend the time necessary to restore all my third-party apps, so “Restore” is another piece of MS software that is, for all practical purposes, useless.

Ron M

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The way to deal with it is to use the MCT and create an ISO to do an in-place upgrade. Then you can choose to “keep you apps and data.”

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Don’t forget Shadow Copies, backups of basically everything made periodically and/or manually.  The settings are in Control Panel>System>Advanced System Settings>System Protection tab in window that opens.

Of course, with the terrific integration of Control Panel and Settings, Shadow Copies are called Restore Points.  Make sure “On” is displayed for drives of interest, default is “Off” I believe (more brilliance at MS.)

Restore Points bring back everything as it was when the RP was made, third parties remain.

Just another option; the OS has to be in generally good shape to work.

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Restore points don’t change files, only registry settings.
A disk / file backup is needed to keep old files.

cheers, Paul

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Restore points do replace some files:

System Restore backs up system files of certain extensions (.exe, .dll, etc.) and saves them for later recovery and use.[6] It also backs up the registry and most drivers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Restore#Limitations_and_complications

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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PKCano wrote:

The way to deal with it is to use the MCT and create an ISO to do an in-place upgrade. Then you can choose to “keep you apps and data.”

PKCano, I am afraid you have taken me beyond the bounds of my techie understanding.  😊MCT? ISO?

RonM

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MCT is Media Creation Tool available for download from the Windows 10 download center.

The MCT creates installation media which can do an in-place upgrade directly on the computer, or it can create an ISO (image archive file with extension .iso) from which bootable installation media can be created

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